Live. Laugh. Love.

So a little over two years ago, my friend and health coach was diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma in the same week I was diagnosed with stage 2 Sarcoma. She listened to a podcast or watched a youtube video of Stuart Scott and his battle with cancer and how fitness was his therapy between treatments.

So we as a team began sweating for something bigger, and it has turned into this idea that every sweat matters. So we began sweating for my good friend Katy who was in a battle for her life. On the days she couldn't workout because of treatment, we sweat for her, and dedicated our workout to her. To many this idea may seem odd, but it really did help lift her up. So we continue to sweat for friends and family on our team that are struggling in difficult times. So what's the point of this blog post?!

EVERY SWEAT MATTERS - It matters to you, it matters to me, and it matters to someone you never met. Here's why: It inspires & gives hope!

So let's talk more about making it really matter. 5K's and obstacle races. So today I want to personally recommend a few great annual events in the Pittsburgh, PA area. All of these events I was drawn to because I was sweating for a cause.

My Recommendations & Why!

A couple of things these all have in common. They all directly support funding cancer programs to help families and work towards treatment cures. Also, all of these events are family friendly and are held on Saturdays. This is really important to me because Sunday is reserved for church and family.

Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5K Run/Walk

Pineapple Classic 5K Obstacle

AIM for the CureMelanoma 5K Run/Walk

Location: North Park BoathouseWhen: July

Great for the whole family. My 5 year old actually ran most of the 5 K course this year.

While this is a hot time of year, the course has some shade providing relief throughout the run. The course is relatively flat and great for jogging strollers. Many kids activities, bounce houses, face painting, balloon making, and a mini dash race. This is also an official timed course and rewards given for runners in a variety divisions. At then end fill up on Texas Roadhouse after a great run. Also doctors and surivors speak at the event to help with education about Sarcoma.

Great for the whole family. However, the children have their own course. The adult course is not meant for a stroller and is definitely difficult if you plan to attack this full force. The course has many hills and requires jumping over fire, carrying a pineapple, running across balance beams, sack races, crawling through tunnels, and the grand finale of slip and slide.

​Great fun atmosphere, adult beverages provided as well as a nice spread of snacks and DiBella's subs to fill you up after a great race.

Great for the whole family. Easy course, not quite a 5K just short by 0.2 miles according to my tracker.

The course takes you on a wonderful run through the North Shore near and around the stadiums. Then on the way back you get to enjoy the river walk trail.

This event is great because the weather is nice and cool and makes it a great prep for the running season. Also, this course is great for beginning runners. This even was well organized and had cops all along the course to ensure safety.One downfall is that there is not much to do for children,